Spotlight search

You're searching your email for a message you know you haven't deleted but it simply isn't there any more.  What's going on? Could it be that you were having a conversation by Message or WhatsApp chat and it wasn't an email at all? Now, you could search Mail, Messages and WhatsApp separately, but there's a much better solution called spotlight search waiting to help find things anywhere on your iPhone or iPad. All you need is to think of a word or phrase that will help to find the message. Begin by going to your home screen. If you aren't using VoiceOver swipe down near the centre of the screen. If you are using VoiceOver, touch an app icon in the main part of the screen and then swipe down with three fingers.  You can now enter the word or phrase you want to search for and the results will appear below and may include apps, web pages, Mail, Messages, WhatsApp chats and much more. VoiceOver users may find it helpful to set the rotor to headings in order to skip more quickly to the results you want. Found items can be activated in the usual way, either with a tap for non-VoiceOver users or a double tap for VoiceOver users. 

Spotlight search is also a quick way to open apps if you don't want to use Siri. At the top of the spotlight screen, you will find a row of app icons that Siri reckons you might want to use at this time and place, based on your previous behaviour. If the app you want isn't there, just begin typing its name on the keyboard and it will pop up at the top of the screen. 

Spotlight search can also be activated using the search button just above the centre of the dock at the bottom of app screens.

If you activate spotlight search and decide not to use its suggestions or search results it can be dismissed with the home gesture or a click on the home button for older iPhones and iPads.

Back to FAQ

last updated 6 December 2015